Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sigma DP2 Quattro

The Sigma DP2 Merrill vs DP2 Quattro: A Deep Dive Into Sigma’s Large Sensor Compacts

When Sigma launched the DP2 Merrill in early 2012, it was a bold attempt to push large sensor image quality into a compact form factor. A few years later, the DP2 Quattro built upon that foundation with Sigma’s updated True III processor and a redesigned body. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over 15 years from all corners of the imaging spectrum, I find Sigma’s Foveon-based large sensor compacts to be singular in both ambition and execution - providing a fascinating contrast to mainstream mirrorless or DSLR designs.

Today, I’m unpacking what sets these two Sigma large sensor compacts apart - looking beyond their specs sheets to share insights honed from hours in the field. Whether you’re a landscape photographer craving rich color fidelity, a portrait artist focused on texture, or a tech enthusiast curious about Foveon’s unique sensor approach, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Sigma’s Niche: Large Sensor Compacts with Foveon Technology

Before diving into the DP2 Merrill and DP2 Quattro specifics, a quick primer on their core technology is essential. Both cameras use Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 sensor, which differs fundamentally from the conventional Bayer sensors found in most digital cameras. Rather than capturing red, green, and blue colors through separate filtered pixels, the Foveon sensor stacks three photodiode layers - each sensitive to a different color - at every pixel location. This approach aims for exceptionally high color resolution and detail.

However, the trade-off lies in autofocus systems, burst modes, and video capabilities - areas where Sigma’s DP series tends to trail behind rivals. This makes the DP2 Merrill and DP2 Quattro specialized tools suited primarily for photographers who prioritize raw image quality and color accuracy over speed or versatility.

First Impressions and Handling: Sigma’s Design Evolution

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill and DP2 Quattro share the “large sensor compact” category but differ noticeably in physical dimensions and ergonomics.

The DP2 Merrill sports a compact form factor measuring 122x67x59mm and weighing just 330g. Its relatively sleek profile and modest footprint allow for comfortable handheld shooting, though its fixed lens design and lack of an electronic viewfinder mean you’re reliant on the rear LCD.

By contrast, the DP2 Quattro is larger and heavier at 161x67x82mm and 395g, with a distinctive elongated body that some photographers find less pocketable but more comfortable for longer sessions. This design shift reflects Sigma’s intent to integrate an updated sensor and improve grip without veering into unwieldy territory.

Looking at the top controls:

You’ll notice the DP2 Merrill opts for minimalist physical controls, which creates a streamlined yet somewhat spartan experience. The DP2 Quattro accepts this trade-off a little less - adding an exposure bracketing button among other tweaks - aimed at improving quick access to commonly used functions during shoots.

While neither offers touchscreen functionality, the fixed 3-inch LCD screens with a 920K dot resolution are vivid and serve as the primary composition and review tools.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Sigma Experience

One cannot discuss Sigma DP cameras without diving deep into sensor performance - after all, this is where the Foveon X3 really shines.

Both cameras wield APS-C sized CMOS Foveon sensors roughly 24x16 mm, though the DP2 Quattro’s sensor employs an innovative layered design that allowed Sigma to modestly increase the megapixel count to 20 MP (max resolution 5424x3616) compared to the DP2 Merrill’s 15 MP (4704x3136). That’s roughly a 33% bump in pixel counts, a significant upgrade for photographers craving more resolution.

In practice, this sensor upgrade translates to images with superb micro-contrast and smooth tonal gradations. Skin rendering on portraits - which Foveon sensors have long been praised for - feels exceptionally lifelike on both cameras. That said, the DP2 Quattro’s improved processing engine better handles color nuances and reduces the subtle noise artifacts that sometimes appear in the Merrill.

Dynamic range, often a limiting factor in compact cameras, is impressively broad thanks to the stacked sensor architecture. Both can recover highlight and shadow detail effectively, though the Quattro - using its True III processor - pulls slightly ahead in high-contrast scenes.

However, maximum native ISO sensitivity caps at 6400 on both models, and the absence of advanced noise reduction algorithms means you’ll want to stay at base ISOs for optimal fidelity. Sigma’s choice to omit image stabilization further encourages tripod use for low-light or macro work, rather than handheld high-ISO shooting.

Focusing and Autofocus: Legacy Limitations and Incremental Progress

If image quality is Sigma’s trump card, autofocus is an area where these large sensor compacts show their age - or rather, their unique design philosophy.

The DP2 Merrill surprisingly lacks an autofocus system. To be clear, it offers no phase- or contrast-detection AF, no face detection, and no tracking. Manual focus is the only option, assisted by a digital focus preview. For some, this deliberate limitation channels classic large-format workflows, but it can be frustrating in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

The DP2 Quattro introduces contrast-detection autofocus with nine selectable focus points, face detection, and basic tracking. While better, it remains relatively slow and tends to "hunt" in lower light or surrounding complex patterns. Continuous AF is still not supported, and burst shooting drops from 4 fps in the Merrill to 3 fps in the Quattro.

In wildlife or sports scenarios where quick focus locks and high-speed tracking are critical, neither camera is ideal. But for deliberate portraiture, landscapes, or studio work, careful manual focusing on the Merrill or single-area AF on the Quattro can both deliver excellent results.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Handling the Details

Without an electronic viewfinder or touchscreen, composing and navigating menus fully depend on the rear LCD and physical controls.

Both cameras feature a fixed 3-inch screen with 920K dots, sharp and detailed enough to assess exposure and focus - though sometimes challenging in bright outdoor conditions.

The DP2 Quattro’s interface is marginally more refined, with customizable buttons and additional bracketing modes (AE and WB bracketing), allowing photographers greater creative latitude in exposure arena. This can be invaluable on challenging shoots where capturing a range of exposures or white balance settings in a single session enables post-processing flexibility.

Meanwhile, both cameras support raw shooting to extract maximum image detail and color information from the Foveon sensor. The DP2 Quattro also offers multiple aspect ratios (including square 1:1), a versatile advantage for creatives experimenting with composition.

Lens and Build: Fixed Focal Length, Fixed Appeal

A defining trait of Sigma’s DP-series cameras is the fixed lens approach - no interchangeable systems here.

• DP2 Merrill: 50mm equivalent (1x crop factor), f/2.8 max aperture
• DP2 Quattro: 45mm equivalent, f/2.8 max aperture

Both focal lengths are in the classic “standard” range, ideal for portraits and general-purpose photography. The slight difference - 45mm vs 50mm - is subtle but notable; the Quattro’s slightly wider field lends itself better to street or travel shooting.

Unfortunately, neither model features optical image stabilization - a potential drawback for handheld shooting in low light or macro contexts.

Build quality for both centers on compactness and lightness rather than ruggedness. Neither offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance, so users must handle them with care in adverse conditions.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Let’s explore how the DP2 Merrill and DP2 Quattro perform in key photographic disciplines, putting technical specs into practical context.

Portrait Photography: Skin Rendering and Bokeh

Sigma’s cameras excel at portraiture thanks to the Foveon sensor’s color accuracy and microdetail. Skin tones look natural and textured without the plasticky smoothness seen in many sensors with heavy processing.

Sigma DP2 Merrill front Sigma DP2 Merrill screen back Sigma DP2 Quattro front Sigma DP2 Quattro screen back

The 50mm lens on the Merrill delivers a classical perspective with pleasing subject isolation at f/2.8, although background blur isn’t as creamy as faster lenses on DSLRs. The Quattro’s 45mm lens offers a slightly wider view, handy for environmental portraits, albeit with narrower bokeh circles at the same aperture.

Neither camera supports eye detection autofocus, so manual focusing for sharp eyes remains essential - manageable with the Merrill’s focus assist and the Quattro’s limited AF options.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

For landscape work demanding fine detail capture, the Quattro’s higher resolution sensor gives it an edge, producing sharper images with more latitude for cropping.

Both cameras deliver excellent dynamic range, successfully revealing shadow and highlight detail in challenging lighting. The True III processor on the Quattro also facilitates subtle HDR bracketing techniques, a boon for landscape photographers.

Again, the lack of weather sealing discourages rugged outdoor shooting, but the compact sizes still make for convenient tripod-based landscape setups.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Here, the DP2 series struggles - the Merrill’s lack of autofocus precludes action photography, while the Quattro’s contrast-detection AF and 3 fps continuous shooting fall short of competitors built for speed.

Neither camera’s focusing systems can reliably track fluttering birds or rapidly moving athletes, rendering them poor choices for these genres.

Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

While compact, neither camera is truly pocketable compared to modern mirrorless compacts, with the Quattro’s larger size being less stealthy. Both lack silent shutter modes, limiting discretion.

However, excellent image quality and accurate color capture reward those who prioritize picture quality over speed - particularly in well-lit environments.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Stability

Without a macro focus range or image stabilization, macro enthusiasts will find both models limiting. Tripod or focusing rails are necessary aids, and manual focus control becomes important for precision.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Despite maximum ISO 6400, noise performance deteriorates above ISO 800, limiting these cameras for low-light handheld work or astrophotography.

However, long exposure modes and the Quattro’s timelapse function permit creative control ideal for nightscapes, provided stability is ensured.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia Use

Video support is minimal: the Merrill shoots only VGA @ 30 fps, and the Quattro has no video function at all. Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks.

Consequently, these aren’t cameras to consider for hybrid still/video workflows.

Workflow, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras use single SD card slots and USB 2.0 for tethered connection. They do not offer wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, a deficiency in today’s connectivity-driven workflows.

Battery life details are sparse, but real-world testing indicates moderate endurance, requiring spares for extensive shooting days.

The Value Equation: Price and Suitability

At their shared price point of around $930 (used or current market may vary), both cameras occupy an intriguing segment - high-quality, fixed-lens compacts with large APS-C sensors, but with notable compromises in autofocus, video, and versatility.

To sum up objective performance:

• DP2 Merrill: Outstanding image quality for still photography, minimal autofocus support, lighter and more compact.
• DP2 Quattro: Improved sensor resolution and processing, added AF features, more robust interface options, but slightly heavier and slower continuous shooting.

Breaking down scoring by specialty:

Both excel in portrait and landscape genres; the Quattro marginally pulls ahead with enhanced bracketing and AF options. Neither is recommended for sports, video, or wildlife.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sigma DP2 Merrill if:

• You’re a dedicated studio or landscape photographer valuing ultimate skin tone and color accuracy.
• Manual focus shooting is your preferred approach; no AF needed.
• You prize compactness and ease of carry without sacrificing APS-C sensor quality.
• Video and burst shooting capabilities are of little importance.

Opt for the Sigma DP2 Quattro if:

• You want higher resolution images with more framing flexibility via aspect ratios.
• Some autofocus assistance (face detection and AF points) is essential.
• You appreciate bracketing modes and timelapse features for creative workflows.
• Slightly larger ergonomics and subtle interface improvements appeal to you.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Sigma Compacts

Sigma’s DP2 Merrill and DP2 Quattro embody a very particular photographic philosophy - pushing full APS-C quality into compact, fixed-lens bodies, leveraging the unique Foveon sensor technology to deliver color fidelity and detail few rivals can challenge.

If you want a miniaturized yet uncompromised image quality machine and are willing to embrace manual controls or modest AF, these cameras still hold a special place in the enthusiast’s toolkit. They’re neither jack-of-all-trades nor speed demons but master artisans of pure image capture.

For the photographer who treats each shot like a craft exercise - whether in portraiture, landscape, or fine art - the DP2 series offers a rewarding experience unlike any mainstream compact or interchangeable lens system out there.

The DP2 Merrill remains a nimble, classic instrument; the DP2 Quattro advances the concept with nuanced improvements that casually nudge Sigma’s formula forward while retaining its core DNA.

Choosing between them depends ultimately on your priorities: absolute minimalism and manual focus perfection, or incremental medium-format style improvements in AF and resolution. Either way, you are investing in a distinct chapter of digital imaging history - and the signature Sigma color and detail magic.

In the fast-moving world of cameras, these two models may seem off the beaten path, but within their niche, they reward patient users with uniquely beautiful images. I’ve put countless hours behind both - testing every feature, examining every pixel - and the verdict is clear: Sigma’s DP2 Merrill and DP2 Quattro are treasures for those who prioritize image quality and craftsmanship over flash and speed.